I had dinner last night at Vermilion in Chicago--it was fabulous. I read about them in the AA inflight magazine on the way here and it sounded interesting. Their food is a fusion of Indian and Latin American flavors.

If you are strickly a meat-n-potatoes type, this probably isn't your best choice. But if you like to try new flavors, you won't be disappointed here.

For appetizers, we had spicy crabcakes, cerviche with lobster & scallops with a nice cumin flavor, and wonderful roasted lambchops. For our main course, the three people in my party all chose the Portuguese Lobster. It was a Maine lobster with the tail and claw meat removed from the shell and served over a spicy saffron cous cous cake. It also came with three shot glasses, one with a lobster bisque in it, one with a coconut/vodka gelatain with chunks of lobster in it, and the third had a mango/ginger pico de gallo (sp?) salsa in it. It was heavenly.

For dessert, I tried the warm orange bread pudding. Yum yum. Our server was very good. He did an excellent job of explaining their unique menu selections.

I think this place just opened not long ago. We got there fairly early on a Monday night (about 6:30), and there weren't too many people there by time we left. So we need to get the word out on this place. I want to be able to come here everytime I come to Chicago. So all you locals and visitors to Chicago--if you're looking for some good eats and unique flavors, go to Vermilion. It's at 10 W. Hubbard (just off State St).

I live not far from there and had noticed it, but not yet had a chance to try.

What are the prices/wine list, etc. like?

thanks,

Chicago Forum below in Travel&Dining: Featured Destinations

I have eaten at Vermillion and it was great. I will definitely go back. Another place to try in Chicago that is a bit different is Avec. Did not think I would like the long table seating or the Charcuterie (sp?) style food, but it was really good and a very fun place to eat.

Crowes, prices were moderate-expensive. IIRC, appetizers were in the $8-12 range, entrees were about $17-30. I don't drink alcohol, so I couldn't comment on the wine selection/pricing. I did have a wonderful non-alcoholic drink, however. I think they called it "Aqua Fresca" or something like that. It was some kind of melon juice with mint. Very refreshing and delicious.

I think for three of us, the bill came to just over $200 incl 20% tip. That included 3 appetizers, 3 lobster entrees, drinks, and 3 desserts.